The nuclear deterrence mission is critical, Reeves said, but for years after the Cold War ended, people didn’t think about it much. The airmen at Malmstrom and other ICBM bases, however, have been on continuous alert since the 1960s.

One of Reeve’s priorities as commander will be ensuring the airmen at Malmstrom understand the importance of the mission and their role in that larger security picture.

Her parents met in the Air Force. Her mother left as an airman second class, a rank that no longer exists. Her father, a German immigrant, retired as a chief master sergeant after 29 years in the Air Force. Her husband, Larry, is a retired Army colonel who served for 27 years.

“Service is in my blood,” she said.

Reeves said she’s looking forward to getting around the base and meeting the airmen and civilians.

“I simply look forward to being a teammate on this base,” Reeves said.

Reeves has served in positions related to space and nuclear deterrence throughout her career, including positions at U.S. Central Command, U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. Northern Command.

During his command, Allen was responsible for the largest missile complex in the Air Force. In that time, Stoss said, the wing conducted $2.6 million worth of simulated electronic launches; $1.2 million of operations test launches and fared well in the 2017 Nuclear Surety Inspection. According to Stoss, the inspectors wrote “this is what right looks like.”

Allen said during the ceremony that commanding the 341st have been “the highlight of my life.”